Spectroscopy workshop at Nevers High School: from the sophomore curriculum to astrophysics research!

On Wednesday, February 11, and Thursday, February 12, 2026, students from two 10th-grade classes at Nevers High School (Montpellier) took part in a spectroscopy workshop organized by the Institute for Research in Science Education (IRES) at the University of Montpellier.

The IRES Physics-Chemistry-Experimentation group, led by Christophe Chaubet, organized these two-day event and provided the university’s spectroscopes and spectral lamps. Represented by Manon Diez and Julien Morin, a doctoral student and an associate professor of astrophysics, respectively, at the Faculty of Sciences and the Univers et Particules Laboratory in Montpellier, the IRES group enabled the students to immerse themselves in the world of spectroscopy using equipment from the University of Montpellier. On the agenda: spectroscopic measurements of a variety of light sources and high-resolution observation of the solar spectrum.

Building on the lab work they did in 10th grade, the students discovered how analyzing light can reveal the secrets of stars: their temperature, their chemical composition, and even their speed! Beyond conducting spectroscopy experiments using state-of-the-art equipment, this workshop gave students the opportunity to explore and envision the many paths offered by science and research, thereby helping them engage in concrete reflection on their future career paths.